Does Tramadol have codeine or opiates in it?

No, Tramadol does not have codeine or opiates in it. Tramadol is similar to codeine, but it is a synthetic drug. In fact, Tramadol acts like an opiate but is called an opioid. More on Tramadol ingredients here.

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No. Tramadol does not contain codeine or opiates.   But Tramadol does resembles a more simple version of codeine.

Tramadol: nature or synthetic?

Tramadol is a synthetic drug. This means that Tramadol is created in laboratories and is the result of chemical reactions. It is NOT a natural product, like codeine, and is called an opioid due to its chemical make up.

Tramadol: Opiate or opioid?

The term “opiate” is generally restricted to products which contain natural alkaloids found in the resin of the poppy plant. Depending upon classification system, however, synthetic substances such as Tramadol that are directly derived from the opium poppy are considered to be opiates as well. But for simplicity’s sake, we will refer to Tramadol as a semi-synthetic opioid.

Furthermore, Tramadol is not a narcotic pain medication. Many people wonder, “Is Tramadol HCL a narcotic?”  due to its efficient pain killing effects and possible euphoria, but the drug has not been classed by the DEA under the Controlled Substances Act.

Chemical structure of Tramadol

Chemically and structurally, Tramadol resembles a more simple version of codeine. In terms of chemistry, Tramadol is a NON opiate-derived 4-phenyl-piperidine analogue of codeine.

Effects of Tramadol

While that might not mean too much to you or me, what is important is that Tramadol is an effective pain reliever. And what is even more important is that products that contain Tramadol (Ultram) can cause addiction. Ultram addiction signs range from loss of control over taking the pain pill, to non medical uses of tramadol to compulsive and obsessive thinking about use.

If you think that you are addicted to the physical euphoric effects of Tramadol, see your doctor. There is not shame in admitting and getting help when you need it. Physical dependence can be addressed, as can possible emotional or psychological reasons that compel use. But you don’t have to do it alone.

Please leave your comments, questions and feedback about Tramadol below.

Reference sources: American Society of Health System Pharmacists info on Tramadol
Pharmacology of tramadol

Drug info on tramadol hydrochloride on Daily Med
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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